Authorities find alligator during probation check

CASTRO VALLEY, Calif. 
Authorities in California say an alligator named "Mr. Teeth" apparently used to protect a stash of marijuana inside a home, has been taken to a zoo.

When Alameda County Sheriff's investigators entered Assif Mayr's home on Wednesday afternoon for a probation check, they discovered not only 34 pounds of marijuana valued at $100,000, but also a five-foot alligator inside a tank in a bedroom.

Sgt. J.D. Nelson says "Mr. Teeth" was likely used to deter marijuana thieves as Mayr told investigators that he got the gator to commemorate rapper Tupac Shakur's death in 1996.

Mayr was arrested and in jail on suspicion of possessing marijuana for sale. He is being held on $160,000 bail.

"Mr. Teeth" has been taken to Oakland Zoo. Officials describe the gator as very sick as he is being treated at the zoo's veterinary hospital.